BlueSafe
Hand Tools SWMS

Hand Tools SWMS

  • • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Hand Tools SWMS

Product Overview

This Hand Tools Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the safe selection, use, inspection, and maintenance of hand tools in the workplace. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple activities related to hand and power tool safety to support robust WHS compliance and risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

  • Bench work with hand tools, including safe work positioning and securing of workpieces
  • Safe use of crowbars and pry bars to minimise strain, sudden release, and crush injuries
  • Fastening and unfastening bolts, nuts, and screws using appropriate hand tools and torque controls
  • Hammer and chisel usage, including correct striking techniques and guarding against flying fragments
  • Handling sharp tools during repairs or maintenance to prevent cuts, punctures, and lacerations
  • Selection of the correct tool for the task to eliminate hazards from improper tool selection
  • Managing intensive hand tool use to reduce fatigue, repetitive strain, and musculoskeletal disorders
  • Safe operation of powered and non-powered hand tools, including pre-use inspections and isolation
  • Use of hand and air tools with appropriate pressure, guarding, hoses, and fittings
  • Use of handheld tools in confined or awkward spaces while maintaining control and stability
  • Use of manual tools for repairs, adjustments, and maintenance on plant and equipment
  • Using chisels for cutting, shaping, and removing material with correct PPE and workpiece restraint
  • Using hard plastic mallets to avoid damage to work surfaces and reduce rebound risks
  • Using snips and cutters for sheet metal, cable, and other materials with safe cutting direction and grip
  • Utility knife use, including blade changes, safe cutting techniques, and storage of knives

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for trades such as carpenters, fitters, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, maintenance personnel, general labourers, and site supervisors overseeing any work involving hand or small powered tools.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity Potential Hazards
1. Preparation
  • Electric shock, Slips and falls
2. Tool Selection
  • Incorrect tool, Damaged tools
3. Handling
  • Manual handling injuries, Contact with sharp edges
4. Cutting and Grinding
  • Eye injury, Noise exposure
5. Drilling
  • Kickback, Entanglement
6. Fastening
  • Hand and finger injuries, Over-tightening
7. Measuring and Marking
  • Inaccurate measurements, Sharp objects
8. Assembly
  • Pinch points, Awkward postures
9. Disassembly
  • Dropping parts, Pinch points
10. Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Chemical exposure, Hand injuries
11. Storage
  • Inadequate storage, Trip hazards
12. Inspection and Testing
  • Faulty equipment, Electric shock

Need to add specific site requirements?

Don't worry if a specific job step isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom job steps at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the hazards and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Where hand tools are used on ladders, scaffolds, or elevated work platforms
  • Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on powered hand tools as plant and associated risk controls
  • Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for repetitive use, forceful exertions, and awkward postures when using hand tools
  • How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures
  • Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Applicable to noisy powered and air tools
  • Safe Work Australia – Guide for Hand Tools: Good practice principles for safe use, maintenance, and storage of hand tools
  • AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves: Selection of appropriate hand protection for sharp, impact, and vibration risks
  • AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye protection: Eye protection requirements when using striking, cutting, and powered tools
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)
  • Operational guidelines, with a step-by-step approach to safe work
  • Possible hazards that may be encountered
  • Step-by-step safety procedures to follow
  • Before work starts – Guidelines and Checks
  • Safety measures and guides
  • Operational Safety Checks
  • Before and After Risk Ratings
  • Risk Assessment Matrix
  • High Risk Work Involved
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • Plant and Equipment
  • Qualifications and Permits
  • Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Company Personnel Sign-off form

$44.95

Safe Work Australia Aligned